Dr. Sayed Saad Azhar Ali

This is indeed an exciting time for aspiring aerospace engineers as the aviation and space sectors in the Kingdom are rapidly advancing. I am delighted to welcome you to be part of this journey through the Aerospace Engineering Department at KFUPM.

Building on a strong foundation, the department continues to embrace the vision of positioning KFUPM as a leading and guiding institution in aerospace education and research. Our mission remains focused on developing high-quality degree programs and conducting impactful research that meets the Kingdom’s and the region’s needs for education, manpower, and technical expertise in aerospace and related fields.

Currently, the department offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Aerospace Engineering, with the flexibility for students to pursue either summer training or an internship option. At the postgraduate level, we offer both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees across four specialized tracks. In addition, we have launched a very successful and sought after undergraduate concentration in Drone Design and Applications and a project-based M.S. program in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Soon, we will also offer an undergraduate concentration in Space Engineering as well as a project-based M.S. program in Aerospace Smart Materials — expanding our portfolio to reflect the fast-evolving frontiers of aerospace education and research.

As we move forward, my vision is to elevate the department to the next level of global competitiveness. This requires:

Embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the curriculum and research: AI will be introduced responsibly across courses, particularly in junior and senior levels, ensuring students use it as a powerful tool for learning and innovation rather than as a shortcut.

Commitment to responsible AI values: Integrity, transparency, and accountability will guide our students’ use of AI in education, projects, and research.

Engaging alumni and industry: Our alumni are valuable partners in mentoring, knowledge exchange, and career development, while stronger collaborations with industry will bring opportunities for internships, joint projects, and technology transfer.

Empowering students: Through the Aerospace Engineering Club and other student-led initiatives, we will foster leadership, teamwork, and innovation, ensuring that our students play an active role in shaping the department’s culture and outreach.

Looking ahead, our trajectory is clear: we are orienting our programs and research towards Intelligent Aerospace Engineering — aircraft that learn from data, satellites that operate autonomously, and UAVs that act in swarms. This forward-looking philosophy will ensure our graduates are not only engineers but innovators and leaders in the aerospace field.

By strengthening our digital presence, promoting student and faculty achievements, and participating actively in national and international competitions, we will raise the profile of KFUPM Aerospace globally.

We are proud of what we have achieved so far, and even more excited about what lies ahead. I warmly invite you to explore our programs, engage with our faculty and students, and join us as we chart the course Towards Intelligent Aerospace Engineering.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to know more about our programs, discuss career opportunities, or explore avenues for collaboration.